From uncovering the past in ancient tombs to analyzing the way people lived thousands of years ago, archeologists are able to learn a great deal about the changes of culture and tradition. In this article, you will learn information regarding Peru, Finland, Roman Britain, England, and northern Israel.
Tomb of High-Ranking Official Found
In Peru, the tomb of a high-ranking official that dates back 1,200 years was unearthed at the Huaca Las Ventanas archaeological site. Researchers believe that the man was part of the Sican culture, which was prosperous during this time period. The body was in a sitting up position (the lotus posture with half-crossed legs) and was wearing a winged eye mask. He was also buried with a ceremonial knife and metal cup.
The tomb was also accompanied by an array of burial artifacts, including a breastplate made out of coral colored Spondylus shell beads, ceramics, tweezers made out of gold and shaped like a bird. The artifacts indicated that the man belonged to either the Sican or Lambayeque cultures.
Excavation of Old Home
In southeastern Finland, the excavation of a large house that dates back 3,000 years will take place. Archeologists with the University of Helsinki will carry out excavations of a site associated with the Stone Age. An eye-catching feature of the site is that the spacious dwelling resembles a structure similar to some of the homes found in modern suburbs. While news of the old house hit headlines in June, the property was originally found three years ago where archeologists were conducting field inventory of medieval period remains in the region.
The age of the house is traced back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. One of the features of the house that have caught the attention of others is that it is considerably large, especially for its time period. There are three rooms attached to the home that has a foundation that measures 45 x 20 meters. The rooms have foundations that are larger than the average modern cottage. Finding such a site is rare and will provide a great deal of information regarding the culture of the time.
Other archeology news from July 2010 includes:
A charcoal-burning brazier located in the Roman city of Silchester is where a bronze representation of Harpocrates, the god of secrecy and silence, was uncovered. The object serves as evidence of the existence of luxury items that originated in Roman Britain.
An excavation of what may turn out to be a Bronze Age skeleton in Sedgeford, England hit the headlines when it was announced that precautions were being taken to make sure DNA contamination did not occur. It is the goal of the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project to pinpoint details regarding the history of human settlement in the town.
At the site of Hazor in northern Israel, two fragments of clay tablet have been unearthed. It is believed that the artifacts are inscribed in cuneiform with a 3,700-year-old code of law. Archaeologists from Hebrew University are carrying out the excavations of the site.